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Many of Britain’s 140 embassies and high commissions will close or be pared
down in a drive to cut spending by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office by up
to 40 per cent.

Plans are already being drawn up to close several of the 102 consulates, and
in some countries diplomats could be withdrawn as Britain scales back its
presence overseas, Whitehall sources told The Times.

As the Government focuses on emerging economies such as India, China, Russia
and Brazil, key diplomatic posts including embassies in South America, West
Africa and Europe could go, officials indicated.